I’m so sorry

Xender's house stood before us, an imposing structure that radiated luxury and elegance. As we walked through the grand entrance, a small crowd of maids gathered, their eyes widening in surprise as they spotted me. I could practically feel the tension in the air, their disapproval and fear evident. It was clear that they hadn't forgotten our past "friendship," lets put it that way.

I plastered on a polite smile and greeted them, "Hello, everyone."

They were quiet for a while before passing me nervous smiles. "I'm here out of my own will"

I supplied and soon their expressions shifted from initial fear to cautious warmth as they greeted me in return. Xender's presence seemed to reassure them, and I could sense that their reservations were soon set aside.

Xender, seeming oblivious to the undercurrents going on between us as he walked ahead, leaving me to follow him. I resisted the urge to sigh in relief as we entered his lavish home, away from the scrutinizing gazes of the maids.

Once inside, Xender turned to me, a faint smile on his lips. "Make yourself comfortable. Feel free to explore if you'd like."

Explore. Right, this was the second time I was in his house and this time, not a captive.

I nodded, offering a small smile in return. "Thank you, Xender."

He disappeared into his room, leaving me alone in the elegant hallway. It was then that I noticed the chief maid, Kate, watching me from a distance. I grinned, waving at her as I walked over.

"Amelia," Kate greeted with a warm smile as she approached me. "It's lovely to see you again."

I returned her smile, relieved to find that she hasn't forgotten me. "Likewise, Kate. It's been a while"

"You're still the voice of reason around here, I assume?"

Kate chuckled, her eyes twinkling with amusement. "Someone has to keep things in order, especially when the boss is involved."

I couldn't help but laugh at her remark. "True, very true."

As Xender returned to join us, a slight shift in his behavior caught my attention. He seemed to acknowledge Kate with a respectful nod, and I couldn't help but wonder about their dynamic. However, before I could delve deeper into that thought, Xender turned his attention back to me.

"Kate, this is Amelia. Amelia, meet Kate, our chief maid," Xender introduced.

Kate extended her hand, and I shook it with a friendly smile. "It's a pleasure to officially meet you, Amelia."

"The pleasure is mine, Kate," I replied, genuinely meaning it.

As Kate and I exchanged pleasantries, I caught a brief glance exchanged between her and Xender, hinting at a connection that ran deeper than I could fathom. I made a mental note to ask about their history later…. Or now.

Once xander stud up to answer a phone call, I was probing her and shifting toward her. She eyed my glances in a small laugh. "What is it you want to know, Amelia"

"You and Xander are you…"

My voice trailed away as I formed my fingers into an 'x'. Her eyes followed my motions and soon, they were widenening.

"Oh my!"

She scolded me. "What are you thinking?"

"He is like my son"

Her words caused my jaw to drop, looking over her tiny frame again. "How old are you?"

She laughed. "I'm thirty-eight, Amelia"

I blinked. Oh my God.

My lips turned into a nervous smile. "I..I didn't.. Know… I'm so sorry… to say that"

"Just that you look really younger than your age and uhm.. You and xender seemed to have such a close relationship"

I tried to explain myself and she was patting me on my palms. "It's alright to be jealous"

Uh?

I lowered my gaze. "I didn't say that"

She laughed. "But I assure you. You have nothing to worry about. Xender is like my…son. A naughty son"

She supplied and I looked up at her gaze, she was looking toward his calling figure exactly like how a mother would look at her son. That picked my interest. "Your son?"

"Of cause. When his father died. Then I was his mother's maid but his mother was often out, so I spoke and took care of him most of the time"

My brows rose at the surprising information. "Oh.. Really?"

She grinned. "You are exhilarated"

I leaned over the desk a little to whisper, not wanting Xander to hear what I had to say, if not, he would tease me to death. "So… does that mean that you're like my mother-in-law"

She winked. "I see you are taking things fast there"

I was about to say something just as stupid until xander showed up from behind. I kept my mouth shut.

He looked between us, a glint of curiosity on his face. "What were you two talking about just now?"

"Nothing"

I uttered swiftly and kate was laughing while xender was pining a suspicious glare at me.

***

Xender excused himself with a nod and disappeared upstairs, leaving me alone in here. Moments later, he reappeared, looking remarkably well put-together in his suit. A mischievous glint danced in his eyes as he approached me.

"I have a surprise for you," he declared, his lips curling into a playful smile.

I raised an eyebrow, my curiosity piqued. "A surprise? Where are we going?"

He shrugged, his grin widening. "It's a secret. You'll find out soon enough."

With a gentle touch, he held my hand, his warm fingers intertwining with mine. "But first, we need to get you dressed for the occasion."

I chuckled, allowing him to lead me towards the room I had used during my previous stay in his house. I waved at Kate, who was now wearing an amused smile, and she waved back, a knowing glint in her eyes.

As Xender guided me into the room, he turned to face me, his gaze fixed on my eyes. "Wait here. I'll be right back."

I nodded, watching him walk towards the wardrobe with a sense of anticipation. I was slightly taken aback when he pulled open the wardrobe doors, revealing a collection of clothes that seemed tailor-made for a woman.

My eyes widened as I glanced at him, then back at the wardrobe, my surprise evident.

I couldn't help but ask, "What's all this?"

Xender turned, his expression presently confused until he followed my gaze and saw the array of female clothes. He chuckled softly, shaking his head. "I got these for you."

I blinked in astonishment, my heart skipping a beat. "For me?"

"Or for your ladies?"

He groaned. "Please don't start now"

I teased, "now, are you honestly telling that you are an innocent billionaire. Aren't you a catch Uh?"

"If you see it that way then I'm glad"

He retorted, before diverting back to the issue of the new clothes, a small smile tugging at his lips. "I thought you might need a change of clothes while you're here."

His thoughtful gesture left me speechless, gratitude welling up inside me. I didn't quite know how to respond, so I simply nodded, looking at his figure from beside the wardrobe.

Xender reached into the wardrobe and pulled out a beautiful blue gown, its fabric shimmering in the soft light. He handed it to me, his touch gentle against my skin. "Why don't you try this one?"

I accepted the gown, my fingers grazing against his as I took it from him. "Thank you, Xender."

He smiled warmly. "You're welcome. Take your time."

With that, he turned as if to leave the room, and I moved towards the door, intending to open it for him. But before I could even touch the doorknob, he was behind me, his arms wrapping around my waist, pulling me back against his chest.

My heart raced as I felt his closeness, his lips brushing against my ear. "You're really eager to help, aren't you?"

I cleared my throat, my cheeks reddening at the unexpected proximity. "Well, I thought... you needed to leave."

Xender's low chuckle vibrated against my skin. "I'm not going anywhere."

His words sent a shiver down my spine, and before I could react, he gently turned me around to face him. His fingers trailed along my jawline, tilting my chin upwards. His gaze held a mixture of desire and tenderness as he leaned in, capturing my lips in a soft, lingering kiss.

The world seemed to fade away as our lips met, and this time, there was no hint of hesitation. I responded to his kiss, my fingers instinctively curling against his chest as the kiss deepened. Every touch, every sensation, felt like heaven. My lips sync over his and I slide my hands to his neck. His mouth in pair with the way his hand was sliding down my arms. He groaned, and crap. I was feeling exactly what he was. As soon as the sound leaves his mouth, he was pressing me harder against the wall. His left hand was caressing my cheek and his right hand was gripping me by the waist, pulling me against him.

When he finally jerks away, his breath slightly ragged, he rested his forehead against mine.

"You're going to be the death of me"

I blinked, my heart pounding in my chest. "Xender..."

He silenced me with a finger against my lips, a soft smile playing on his lips. "Let's not overthink this, Amelia. We both want this, right?"

I nodded, my lips curving into a shy smile. It was as if a weight had been lifted, and in that moment. I think that perhaps, a relationship with an arrogant billionaire is not so bad, if he is the Xender Sterling in front of me right now.